Three faculty members at Fort Hays State University were recognized for excellence in the spring faculty awards program. The announcement was made by President Edward H. Hammond today at the Spring Faculty Meeting in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center of Sheridan Hall on the FHSU campus.

The award presentations came at the end of the meeting, after the president delivered his annual State of the University address to the assembled faculty and administrators.

The faculty recognition program rewards outstanding instructors nominated by each of the four colleges of the university. Recipients are selected by a committee chaired or appointed by the respective college deans. Each of the award winners gets a $500 prize, which is provided by the FHSU Foundation and Commerce Bank, Hays.

Dr. Mike Madden, professor of allied health and director of medical diagnostic imaging and radiologic technology programs, received the Faculty Research Award for his performance in the College of Health and Life Sciences. He has distinguished himself by writing several books, chapters and journal articles in his discipline and by securing a Kansas Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network grant in 2000 and a Kansas Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence grant that continues to 2009. He has also given national and international presentations in his field and plays a leadership role in an emerging profession.

Dr. Fred Britten, professor of communication disorders, was given the Faculty Service Award for his performance, also in the College of Health and Life Sciences. He was recognized by the selection committee for serving as the sponsor of the FHSU chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, for his service as director of the audiology clinic, for serving on the Council for Academic Accreditation and the program committee of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and for his service on numerous campus committees and on the Faculty Senate.

Sue Boldra, instructor of teacher education, was given the Outstanding Teacher Award for her performance in the College of Education and Technology. She was nominated for her recognition as a master teacher in Hays USD 489, for assuming leadership roles in innovation and partnering, for developing coursework, for teaching, and for advising many students in the transition to teaching program.

The Spring Faculty Meeting also includes the annual report from the president of the Faculty Senate, the annual meeting of the graduate faculty and the annual report from the dean of graduate studies. Dr. Dan Kulmala, assistant professor of English, is finishing his one-year term as Faculty Senate president. Dr. Tim Crowley, professor of music, is the interim dean of the Graduate School.